Touch of Faith,
Painting by Yongsung Kim,
Painted in 2019
Oil on canvas
© 2023, Yongsung Kim Art
Touch of Faith,
Painting by Yongsung Kim,
Painted in 2019
Oil on canvas
© 2023, Yongsung Kim Art
The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light
Matthew 4:12-17
Hearing that John had been arrested, Jesus went back to Galilee, and leaving Nazareth he went and settled in Capernaum, a lakeside town on the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali. In this way the prophecy of Isaiah was to be fulfilled:
‘Land of Zebulun! Land of Naphtali!
Way of the sea on the far side of Jordan,
Galilee of the nations!
The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light;
on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death
a light has dawned.’
From that moment Jesus began his preaching with the message, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’
Reflection on the painting
A section of today’s gospel reading might sound very familiar, as it is part of the first reading of the Christmas night Mass from the prophet Isaiah: ‘The people that lived in darkness has seen a great light; on those who dwell in the land and shadow of death a light has dawned’.
That reading fitted the setting of Christmas night, telling us that with the birth of Jesus a magnificent light came into our world. In the gospel reading today, Matthew quotes this text from Isaiah not referring to the birth of Jesus, but rather to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. As Jesus started preaching and healing, his light was now fully shining for the world to see.
The light of God’s kingdom continues to shine through him upon our own lives today. He illuminates all we do, if we let him to! As per Saint John Henry Newman, we ask him to lead us every step if the way: ‘Lead kindly light’. The closer we are drawn to his light, the more we can pass on that light and be light bearers to others.
Our painting by Korean artist Yongsung Kim conveys a burst of light emanating from Christ and his invitation to follow in his footsteps. We see a hand coming in from the right not just wanting to touch his cloak, but trying to keep up with Jesus’ fast-paced mission of bring light to everyone.
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esa mano que quiere atrapar a Jesús me representa, si quiere detenerLo porque aún estoy atado a otras cuestiones no importantes también me representa, si quiere tomar un poco de Su Túnica (al modo de Eliseo con Elías) también me representa… es que Su Luz es Atrapante !
Zebulun and Naphtali….I love the sound of those two places – so exotic! I wonder what they’re actually like?
It always impresses me that these men were right in the middle of doing something yet they upped and left immediately to follow Jesus.
Not sure about today’s painting 🤔
Belleza.
Wonderful! Have a wonderful day everyone.
Thank you Space. I have just been playing some Wagner who was not a very nice man but wrote some of the most glorious music ever written so God was working through him. I think?
I’m off to Mass and may end up reading or Special Minister I don’t know which or both! It’s because people don’t show up for their slot. It’s all an honour.
That’s one of the things that has irritated me for years. People not turning up! It happened last night, but this time the lady in question rang to ask if would stand in for her. But as you say it is all an honour.
Pre-Covid I was a reader too. After Covid I was never asked, except on Whit Sunday last year. No one ever wants to do that reading but I didn’t mind. It is an honour and privilege but maybe my missions lie elsewhere. Last night we had a very nervous newcomer and I hope he felt welcome. It would be nice to see him again.
An expressive painting ! It reminds me of the woman with the haemorrhage touching Jesus’ cloak . Faith and light
My exact reaction as well.